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Teeth cleaning is a basic part of the oral hygiene regimen. Every day brushing and flossing are done to prevent build-up of dental plaque. When dental plaque is not removed properly it leads to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal diseases. Hence, in addition to everyday oral care, a periodical dental visit is essential to ensure clean and healthy teeth and gums. Every day cleaning by individuals themselves may involve one or more of these – brushing, flossing, and scrubbing. Brushing teeth should be carried out with a good toothbrush twice every day, in the morning and before bedtime. Flossing is said to remove plaque build-up between teeth, though there is no sufficient evidence that DIY flossing improves the risks of cavities. Scrubbing is cleaning teeth with a twig of a plant instead of a brush. This is practised in a few parts of the world and the twig used for scrubbing is said to possess antiseptic effects. Professional teeth cleaning known as prophylaxis is the removal of tartar (hardened plaque) by a professional dentist. Even with proper brushing and flossing, plaque build-up may need to be removed by a professional, especially in areas that are harder to reach with a brush. Professional tooth cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth polishing, and debridement. While tooth scaling and polishing are done to fight normal plaque build-up, debridement is done in the case of accumulated tartar. Several instruments are used for this treatment. At-home everyday cleaning and a once-in-six-months' dental checkup, both, are essential for a trouble-free mouth.